NCLEX · Delegation and Assignment

A registered nurse is supervising a licensed practical nurse (LPN/LVN). Which task is appropriate to assign to the LPN?

Correct answer

Administering oral and certain other medications to a stable client and reinforcing teaching

  1. A Developing the initial plan of care
  2. B Administering oral and certain other medications to a stable client and reinforcing teaching
  3. C Performing the initial admission assessment
  4. D Administering IV push medications (in most facilities)

Why this is the answer

Appropriate tasks for an LPN/LVN (within their scope, varies by state/facility): administering ORAL and many other MEDICATIONS to STABLE clients; performing routine, stable procedures; REINFORCING teaching the RN initiated; monitoring stable clients; wound care; collecting data (contributing to assessment). NCLEX safe care/delegation. The RN retains: the INITIAL/comprehensive ASSESSMENT, developing/evaluating the PLAN OF CARE, initial client TEACHING, unstable/complex clients, and (in most facilities) IV PUSH medications and blood administration. LPNs work under RN supervision. The general rule: RN does the nursing process steps requiring judgment (assess, plan, evaluate, teach); LPN reinforces and implements stable care. Knowing the RN-vs-LPN scope distinction is a heavily tested NCLEX assignment concept.
Source: NCLEX Safe Care — RN/LPN Delegation

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